John Piper seems to have caused a little stir this week. On July 15, he posted his thoughts on drama and movie clips in church services. The “controversy” seems to center around his comment, “I think the use of video and drama largely is a token of unbelief in the power of preaching.”

Here is why John Piper is wrong (yes, I said it, wrong). He does not understand what preaching is. (Sorry John, it’s true. No offense.) Preaching is not somebody droning on about the Bible. Preaching is communicating good news. Spoken word does not hold exclusive rights to the communication of good news.

4 Responses to “The Piper Preaching “Controversy””

1. thomas says:

   July 19, 2009 at 2:41 pm

   rich your right. now using things just to fill time. yeah whtat’s the point, but videos or dram or even art that push the point home, thats just being a effective speaker, trying to activate peoples learning styles.
2. richard says:

   July 20, 2009 at 12:47 am

   sure people abuse it. but there are plenty of “preachers” who don’t use media, who still fail to communicate good news.
3. JeffR60 says:

   July 20, 2009 at 11:36 am

   The Piper piece completely misses the point of the use of videos and drama pieces in sermons. They are illustrations, no different than a preacher using a story to make a point.

   I will grant that many times they are not used effectively, but that has to do with quality and focus.
4. Stuart says:

   July 30, 2009 at 2:05 pm

   I wonder why no one told Jesus this.